The Untitled Interview #48: Starring La Strada

Dear loves, you know by now, I would hope, how very much I do so adore a little band called La Strada. This coterie of Brooklynites has totally, utterly, and completely won my devotion with their irresistible hodgepodge of all things musically good and wonderful. If you haven’t yet heard their latest record, New Home, yet, well, I have no choice but to frown in your general direction.

Introductions aside, the band recently took some time from their task of winning the world over one city at a time to answer the burning questions I presented them with. And sweet as pie, the band answered as a collective. So may I present to you, friends, the collective answers of James Craft, Devon Press, Brady Miller, Ted Lattis, Daniel Baier, and Isaiah Gage. Pull up a hammock, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and spend a few quality minutes getting to know one of my new favorite bands.

Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
La Strada: Pretty good, most of the time.

LET: What was the last song you listened to?
LS: “New Speedway Boogie” by Grateful Dead.

LET: Playing music is:
LS: Generally a fun thing to do.

LET: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
LS: Graceland (Paul Simon).

LET: Beatles or Stones?
LS: Beatles.

LET: Top 5 albums (of now, of this month, or of ever):
LS: MTV Smooth Jams Vol. 1-5.

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
LS: Romantico.

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
LS: Half-full.

LET: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
LS: Hospitality and Frances.

LET: What’s the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
LS: I'm going back to bed.

LET: Little-known La Strada fact?
LS: Our van was once owned by Rick Astley's evil twin, Harold Astley, III.

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
LS: Rough Trade (London).

LET: Everyone probably asks this, but is La Strada in fact the band’s favorite Fellini flick?
LS: No, but 8 1/2 isn't a great band name.

LET: Shaken or stirred?
LS: Beer.

LET: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
LS: Check the menu at Subway restaurants. Sometimes, the BLT is the same price as the veggie sub, so you might as well get the bacon.

LET: If you weren’t in a band you’d be:
LS: Grad students?

LET: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
LS: MC Hammer.

LET: Best song ever written?
LS: "Africa".

mp3: Go Forward (La Strada from New Home)

{Photo by Zandy Mangold}